In this blog, we are going to talk about the top startups by Non IItians in India. India’s startup ecosystem is thriving like never before, fueled by passionate entrepreneurs from all walks of life, not just the usual elite tech institutes.
These innovators are reshaping industries by solving everyday problems with smart technology and fresh ideas. Be it simplifying financial services or healthcare, non-IIT founders are making waves with startups that truly connect with millions of Indians.
Their stories show how determination and a deep understanding of local needs can build businesses that empower people and transform lives, providing proof that great ideas combined with relentless effort can come from anywhere.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top startups in India founded by non-IITians who are making a real difference in the country’s entrepreneurial scene.
List of Leading Startups by Non IITians in India
We’ve listed below (not in order) some of the leading startups by non-IITians in India that are revolutionising the industry-
Paytm
Founded in 2010 by Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm has grown into one of India’s most trusted fintech companies and is actively transforming the way millions handle money every day. Despite not coming from an IIT background, Vijay’s vision was simple but powerful: to make digital payments easily accessible to everyone across India.
Paytm’s app lets users do a lot more than just send money. Paytm allows users to pay electricity or phone bills, book movie or train tickets, shop online, and transfer money instantly using UPI or Paytm Wallet; all in a few taps. What’s great is that Paytm offers multiple payment options, enabling users to pick what works best for them, including Paytm Payments Bank net banking, FASTag for highway tolls, and Paytm Postpaid, a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ feature.
For merchants, including small shopkeepers, roadside vendors, and even large businesses, Paytm provides an easy way to accept payments through QR codes or soundbox devices. Paytm also assists merchants by offering loan facilities and ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ options.
Paytm’s easy-to-use app and secure platform invite everyone to participate in the digital economy. Security is a priority, so users feel safe handling their money on the platform, while the widespread presence of Paytm across India means you can use it almost everywhere, from big malls to local shops.
OYO
Founded in 2012 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO has dramatically changed the way people find and book affordable and reliable accommodation across India (and far beyond). Headquartered in Gurgaon, OYO aims to give travelers more than just a roof over their heads, but also comfort and value, regardless of their budgets.
OYO’s platform offers an extensive selection of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and homes, giving travelers plenty of options for every type of trip. OYO is dedicated to providing guests with a consistently comfortable stay. Their properties focus on delivering key essentials such as complimentary Wi-Fi, clean linens, breakfast options, and attentive housekeeping, all designed to make travel enjoyable.
For price-sensitive travelers, OYO provides budget-friendly options. Users can compare amenities, read guest reviews, and manage bookings in just a few taps.
By partnering with OYO, hotel owners gain access to state-of-the-art technology and proven systems for managing bookings, revenue, marketing, and guest services. OYO even helps partners boost their visibility, attract more guests, and increase revenue, while also providing training and support to ensure service standards remain high across the network.
Practo
Founded in 2008 by Shashank, along with his NITK Surathkal friends, Abhinav Lal and Siddhartha Nihalani, Practo was born out of a personal experience that showed the founders how healthcare in India was often complicated and inefficient. They set out to build a technology-driven platform that could bridge the gaps and make quality healthcare more accessible to everyone.
Today, Practo has become a trusted name in digital healthcare, serving more than 20 million users every month across India.
For patients, Practo offers a variety of helpful services, including video or chat consultations with doctors from many specialties, such as general medicine, dermatology, gynecology, and more. Practo’s network of pharmacies delivers prescriptions quickly while also providing an option to book diagnostic and lab tests, sometimes even at home, often at discounted rates. For those who want additional peace of mind, Practo offers subscription-based health plans with perks like unlimited online consultations.
Through tools like Practo Consult, doctors can easily offer online consultations, while Practo Ray helps them manage appointments, billing, and patient records efficiently. Practo Reach helps healthcare providers attract more patients through smart digital marketing. On top of that, solutions like Insta and Qikwell provide quick access to telemedicine with minimal waiting times.
Beyond these, Practo keeps users informed and motivated with personalized health articles and wellness tips. They also offer mental health support, group health insurance plans, and even 24/7 ambulance services staffed with trained medical personnel.
Practo boasts of a presence in over 310 towns and cities and more than 1,20,000 doctors on board. Practo is especially active in metro cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Abhinav Lal reveals that Practo is set to grow its presence to more than 30 cities shortly, furthering its goal to transform healthcare accessibility throughout India.
Freecharge
Founded in August 2010 by Kunal Shah and Sandeep Tandon, Freecharge has become a familiar name for digital transactions in India. Freecharge started as a platform for quick mobile and DTH recharges and soon expanded into a one-stop solution for payments and financial services.
With Freecharge, users can pay utility bills, recharge mobiles and DTH, and make in-store or online payments using QR codes, UPI, or their wallet. The app makes it easy to send and receive money 24/7, supporting multiple payment modes like net banking, debit/credit cards, and its digital wallet, so users can pick whatever suits them best.
Beyond payments, Freecharge opens access to instant personal loans, ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ options, and investment in mutual funds. Through a partnership with Axis Bank, users can also get a Freecharge-branded credit card with cashback rewards.
For retailers, Freecharge offers business loans and efficient merchant payment solutions.
The platform stands out for its regular deals, brand discounts, and gift cards, adding extra value to everyday transactions.
Afterword
To wrap up, the journey of these Startups by Non IITians proves that innovation and impact aren’t limited by degrees or background. Non-IITian founders across India are building companies that solve problems and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs!